rebranding Archives

Winsage

August 5, 2026

Here’s when Windows 11 26H2 will roll out, and what’s actually new on existing PCs

Windows 11 26H2 is expected to be released in October 2026 as an enablement package, primarily serving as a servicing update to enhance stability for enterprise users rather than introducing significant new features. The support for Windows 11 24H2 will end on October 13, 2026, while 25H2 will be supported until October 12, 2027. Windows 11 26H2 will integrate into the existing servicing model of 24H2 and 25H2, allowing users to upgrade quickly with a small update size of 174KB. The system requirements for 26H2 will remain the same as its predecessors. New features include the rebranding of Windows Backup to "Windows settings backup and restore," which will automatically back up user settings and select personal files to the cloud by default. Another feature, Point-in-time restore, will be enabled by default for 26H2 users, allowing the creation of system restore points. This update aims to provide a consistent user experience and enhance business continuity without being a full operating system upgrade.

BetaBeacon

August 3, 2026

Gemini Notebook may soon let you build custom learning games out of your study material

Google's Gemini Notebook, previously known as NotebookLM, is being enhanced with new features to improve the learning experience. Users may soon be able to create interactive web pages, custom apps, or games within the notebook. Google is also testing the option to remove watermarks from media generated within the notebooks.

Winsage

August 1, 2026

Windows 10 users were right: Microsoft admits its end of support was the real Windows 11 sales driver

Microsoft has reported a significant revenue of billion in its fiscal fourth-quarter report for 2026, exceeding Wall Street predictions, despite a 7% decline in Windows OEM and Devices revenue and a 5% drop in Windows OEM revenue. The company has extended support for Windows 10 until October 2027, acknowledging that many users are not ready to upgrade to Windows 11. Approximately 30% of HP's installed base remains on Windows 10, which HP views as an opportunity for growth. Dell has shifted its focus away from AI PCs to gaming and hardware quality due to the limitations of the AI PC narrative. Microsoft is facing challenges with sluggish Windows 11 adoption rates and is focusing on enhancing the platform's core functionalities.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Google Play services update brings seamless wrist payments and a revamped storefront feed

Google has released Play services v26.29 and Play Store v52.5, which include several enhancements for the Android ecosystem. The new Play services version features upgraded Maps APIs for various devices, new utilities APIs for Wear OS, and unspecified improvements to system management and diagnostics. The "Connected apps" section has been rebranded to "Linked apps," and Gboard has been optimized for messaging applications on Pixel devices. The Play Store update focuses on content discovery and user engagement, with a refined Play Games Sidekick dashboard and expanded Play Shorts offerings that include comic book previews. Additionally, the Engage SDK has been updated to help third-party travel applications display previous searches, aiding trip planning.

Winsage

July 27, 2026

I tested this HyperX OMEN 15 gaming laptop and its RTX 5070 graphics inside, but the OLED display stole the show

The HP OMEN brand has rebranded to HyperX, introducing the HyperX OMEN 15 gaming laptop. It features a mid-range NVIDIA RTX 5050 GPU and a 120Hz OLED display. The laptop is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor and has 32GB of RAM. It weighs 5.02 lbs and is designed for stationary use with extensive cooling vents. Connectivity options include HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports, as well as an Ethernet port. The keyboard has a four-zone RGB backlight, and the audio experience is adequate but may benefit from external speakers. The OLED display achieves a brightness of 503 nits and scores 100% in color accuracy for both P3 and sRGB gamuts. In gaming performance, it averages 47 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings without ray tracing, and can reach up to 111 FPS with NVIDIA's DLSS technology. The specifications include a 15.3" 3K OLED display, 1 TB SSD, and a 70WHrs battery. The pricing strategy has raised questions about its value, especially with recent discounts.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Windows 11 Start menu changes trickle into Beta, movable taskbar still MIA

Microsoft is rolling out updates to the Windows 11 Beta channel, specifically Build 26220.8925, which includes adjustable size options for the Start menu and renames the "Recommended" section to "Recent." Users can select between small and large menu sizes, access a redesigned settings page, and hide their name and picture. The ability to reposition the taskbar is still not available, as it remains in experimental builds, despite user demand. Windows 11 has higher system requirements than Windows 10, needing a minimum of 4 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB for Windows 10. Users are expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of support for older PCs that previously ran Windows 10 effectively.

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Edge Drop Clipboard Manager Brings Mouse-Driven Copy Management to Windows 11

A new clipboard manager for Windows 11 called Edge Drop is in early testing, developed by AdiArtist. It enhances the clipboard experience by sitting on the left side of the screen and can be accessed by hovering the mouse or using the Alt+C shortcut. Edge Drop handles text, images, and various file types, automatically integrating copied items. Users can download it from its official website or GitHub, currently at version 0.1.0. The app allows users to drag items into it and features stacking capabilities for grouping related content, although it does not support combining different content types in a single stack. Unlike Windows 11's built-in clipboard history, which supports item pinning and cross-device syncing, Edge Drop focuses on mouse interaction. The name "Edge Drop" may face challenges due to a similar feature in Microsoft's Edge browser, which is being phased out. Users should be aware of potential rebranding and instability as the app is still in development. Installation involves downloading from the official website or GitHub, and it is not available in the Microsoft Store. Edge Drop is designed for creative workflows but may not suit users who prefer keyboard navigation or require clipboard syncing across devices. Ongoing development may introduce new features and improvements.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Some of your favorite podcasts are losing their app, but you’ll still be able to listen

Amazon has retired the Wondery podcast app and its Wondery+ subscription service, confirming this through an update to a blog post. Wondery-branded podcasts will continue under Amazon, with the studio producing shows like Armchair Expert and New Heights. Former Wondery+ subscribers are encouraged to explore Audible, which now offers a Standard plan for ad-free access to Wondery podcasts. Wondery’s shows remain accessible on platforms like Apple Podcasts and YouTube. The brand has faced challenges, including layoffs and a restructuring that moved its narrative podcasts to Audible.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

Meccha Chameleon celebrates 15 million sales by teasing a ‘collaboration with a famous Japanese star’

Meccha Chameleon has sold over 15 million copies within a month of its release. Developer lemorion_1224 announced a new collaboration with a famous Japanese star, speculated to be Hatsune Miku. The game was developed in two months, resulting in significant financial success for the developers. PC Gamer rated Meccha Chameleon 82%, highlighting its satisfying gameplay. The game was created by two individuals and is available at a modest price.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

Top scientists uncover way to make Kingdom Come: Deliverance more complicated—turn it into a board game

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is being adapted into a board game by Czech Games, which is available for preorder. The board game aims to capture the essence of the video game while introducing complex mechanics that challenge players with strategic decisions. It is set to launch in the first quarter of next year and is expected to appeal to both fans of the RPG genre and newcomers. The game will offer a narrative-driven experience that encourages collaboration and competition.